Experts: OK bridges to become among best in country

Millions to be spent on OK bridges, roads over 8 years

Many Oklahomans have to deal with some of the worst roads and bridges in the country. But in less than a decade we should have some of the best.

Experts: OK bridges to become among best in country

Millions to be spent on OK bridges, roads over 8 years

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Updated: 8:11 AM CDT Oct 11, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY —

Potholes, cracks, and busted tires are things Oklahomans have to deal with often due to the state's bad bridges.

However, in less than a decade, we're expected to have some of the best. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently announced an eight-year plan.

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"At the end of this plan, Oklahoma will have gone from the bottom five in bridges to the top five in bridges in the United States," said Bobby Stem, executive director of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.

The last 25 years, ODOT has only had money to maintain, not improve roads.

"Yeah, I've had a couple of them that I've hit, potholes on the side of the road, or the interstate, and I've had to replace the tire for it," said Oklahoma driver Casey Davison.

Now ODOT plans to improve over 900 Oklahoma bridges in eight years.

"You can't shoot from the hip on what needs to be fixed, and what needs to be replaced," added Oklahoma driver Sheila Brown.

Experts say 94 percent of the work will be done by Oklahoma contractors using local suppliers.

"When you make it easy for the public to get places, the public will go there and spend money," said Stem.

While those cones are annoying, they also mean your tax dollars are being put to work.

"It's probably one of the most robust economic generations of taxpayer money," added Stem.

Experts also say over $900 million will be spent on county roads. The plan is based on need, safety, and traffic count. The plan includes ODOT and county-maintained roads. Cities are responsible for their own repairs.